The most common cause for bloody stools is hemorrhoids. Painful at times but not an emergency.
Eating some foods like beets or some red foods and drinks can look like blood in the stools.

Now, I am not saying you shouldn't have the problem checked out. It can occasionally be a sign of something more serious. Call your doctor and get an appointment. I'm just saying it usually isn't a major emergency.

For the person below who mentioned internal bleeding...no. If you had internal bleeding you would be more likely to have excruciating abdominal pain. If there were any rectal bleeding involved & you were still home and able to type I would very surprised. You would have no doubt it was a medical emergency.[ karenR's advice column | Ask karenR A Question ]

oxyou answered Sunday November 1 2009, 11:35 pm:I would just, calmly, go to the emergency room. Your not going to die or anything, but you do need to get it checked out as soon as you can. I don't think it's necessary to call 911. I think it means you have internal bleeding.[ oxyou's advice column | Ask oxyou A Question ]

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